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Reformed Doctrine of Predestination

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I was an Arminian who didn't understand Calvinism. After reading The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination I was convinced that the Reformed position is the most Biblical. It lays the case for Calvinism before the reader in such clear language that he can not misunderstand what the Refomed position really teaches. It is very persuasive in refuting the arguments against predestination while laying a solid biblical foundation for it's teachings. Boettner is very thorough in his use of Scripture to support his arguments. Anyone wishing to understand Calvinism must read this book. Boettner's arguments are so powerful that they demand your assent. This book was life changing.

Anyone interested in the Reformed faith (or Calvinism) should start here. It is easy to read and suited for the layperson. The book is divided into six sections: In the first section he deals with terms and concepts related to predestination (e.g., the sovereignty of God, the providence of God, the foreknowledge of God, etc.). The first section is an excellent start-off point for the reader. The second section deals with the five points (or TULIP). Boettner does an excellent job explaining what each of the five points mean (and what it does NOT mean). The third section deals with common objections presented by non-Calvinists against the Calvinistic understanding of predestination. Boettner, again, does a fine job refuting the typical arguments of non-Calvinists. The fourth section deals with issues of salvation by grace, personal assurance, predestination in the physical world, etc. The fifth chapter deals with the practical importance of the Calvinistic doctrine of predestination. Finally, the sixth chapter deals with the history of Calvinism. The chapters are well written and makes a good case for the Calvinistic system. Boettner presents his arguments well and anticipants and responds to possible objections in each chapter. The only problem I have with this book is its postmillennial bias (this is especially evident in his final chapter on the history of Calvinism). This is the only downfall of the book. In order for Boettner to relieve the "harsher" aspects of predestination, he advocates the idea that in the end more people will be in heaven than in hell. Of course, we should let the Bible speak for itself and not try to sugar-coat it with hypotheses to "soften" difficult truths taught in the Bible. Another downfall of the book is its age. Many contemporary readers will find that some of the issues that Boettner brings up are obsolete. Overall, though, a good introductory level book on the Calvinistic doctrine of predestination.

Loraine Boettner's book explains clearly that God is 100% sovereign and accomplishes what He purposed BEFORE the world was made. People will allow God to be sovereign in everything but the affairs of man, especially in salvation. This book refutes point by point the arguments against the absolute sovereignty of God. This book clears up one of the main arguments of Arminians--that if God is the ultimate means by which ALL things happen, even bad things--this makes God the author of evil. This Arminian argument is swept away by Boettner's clear explanation concerning the absolute RIGHT that God has with HIS creatures to do as He decides. This leaves us totally in awe of God's holiness. We are reduced to humility and thankfulness for the grace that God exercised in our individuaL lives. EVERY christian should be required to read this book before entering any debate concerning God's dealings with sinful mankind. Boettner sets out explaining the doctrine and then in section III he takes on the obvious objections to the doctrine. Read this book first.

After reading this book you will have a better understanding of what Calvinism is and what it is not. The book goes into not only a defense for it but also the practical aspects of Calvinism. From explaining each point of this doctrine to answering questions about predestination in it relationship to this doctrine. It goes to the subject of man's "Freewill" and God's foreknowledge. Everything you every wanted to know about Calvinism is in this book. It could very well be known as a systematic theology of Calvinism.

Great study on the doctrines of Grace.

"To God Alone Be The Glory" because of his amazing Grace

I read this book many years ago and have since re-read it several times. Each time I pick it up I discover new truths. This is simply because much of what Boettner writes is so concise that you tend to underappreciate the depths of his explanations on the first reading - he is that good! Boettner packs more into one paragraph than many authors are able to do with an entire chapter! Make no mistake, a second reading will be required to "get" many of these concepts, perhaps the most difficult in all of theology. I am certain that I still have not gotten everything to be gotten out of this fantastic book. Also of note are the sections that offer counter arguments to the typical Arminianistic or "free-will" objections. These are pretty good answers on the whole and I have used them successfully with the opposing campers -- very useful counterpoints. Here's a tip for you, if you think of this book as a good "college level" course in Calvinism, then consider picking up "Still Sovereign" edited by Schreiner and Ware, which would be at a "graduate" level. Both books are highly recommended!

This is the book that convinced me of the "predestinatory" claims of reformed doctrine. It is set out in a most logical way with an abundance of corresponding Scripture passages. If you are not convinced about the claims of Calvinism regarding predestination and the sovereignty of God, then this is the book to read.

This is the book that has helped many to see that the Bible clearly teaches that God is good AND sovereign.

Boettner graciously answers many questions about the Biblical doctrine of predestination. He shows that those who object to the doctrine cannot escape from its implications if they believe the Bible to be authoritative.

He also shows that denying the Bible's teaching that God is sovereign greatly devalues the God of the Bible, and leaves us in a much worse position.

Well worth reading.

Dr. Boettner's book is one of the best works I have ever read on the doctrine of predestination from a Reformed perspective. The book is not a book that debates and ignores the issues but takes the reader directly to the Word of God as the source for its foundation.

Whether you are a Calvinist or an Arminian, you would do yourself well to purchase this book and digest the meat found therein. The book, while covering a rather deep subject, remains quite easy to read and the content of Dr. Boettner's thoughts flow together easily.

A great book!

This is the most reasonable, thorough and concise explanations I have ever read on the topic of election and predestination. Though at times Boettner does tend to be a bit long winded and does also throw in a bit of his post-millennial views, this is probably one of the best works that any Calvinist (or even Arminian or Palagean) to read.

This Book, I believe, is a great work concerning what Calvinism is and is not. It also has a wonderful section on the History of Calvinism, which does prove enlightening to those who accuse John Calvin about the burning of Severtus. (which punishment he opposed in that manner)
This book gives exemplary documentation of authors/theologians such as B.B. Warfield, Augustine in 3rd Century AD, and Martin Luther, to name a few. I was a confirmed Arminian before I read this book. This book is not all about the Doctrines of Predestination, but rather they are also about the Doctrines of Election, Total Depravity, The Nature of the New Birth, and the Power of the Holy Spirit to perservere. This book does a great job of not only presenting the doctrines in a well organized fashion, but is throughly Biblical and encounters and respectfully answers questions and criticisms, everything from "The Perserverance of the Saints is antinominalism," to, "It is in violation of man's free agency"...all the sections regarding those objections are throughly answered. This Book is Complete and if one can devote a couple nights to reading it, I assure you you will not be disappointed.